Centerfire and Rimfire Cartridges for Rifles and Handguns

Centerfire and rimfire cartridges primarily differ on the location of the primer. They consist of the following parts:

1. Projectile (Bullet)

In rifles and handguns, a bullet serves as the projectile. It fits into the top of the cartridge case and is fired through the barrel of the firearm. The bullet is usually made out of lead and may have a copper jacket. The most common types for hunting are the pointed soft point, rounded soft point, hollow point and polymer tip.

2. Case

A metal container that holds all of the components together, usually made of brass, aluminum or steel.

3. Gunpowder

A high-energy propellant of a specific quantity (charge) that, when ignited, creates a high pressure inside the case. This pressure sends the bullet or projectile down the barrel of the firearm to exit at the muzzle.